all depends on what brand you want, where the unit is located, attic or basement. do you want 2009 left over with r-22 , do you need a new line set. May I ask where are you from in NJ.

I've been looking into Trane, Carrier, Lennox and Rheem... I'm open to others.

The air handler is in my attic and the condenser is outside my house. No one has talked about replacement the lines. I don't care if it's a left over 2009 model.

I'm in the northern part.

around 1,700 for the units labor should be around 2,000 plus any extra. meaning electric fittings and duct work in attic to retrofit. round it off to 4,000. duct work may be tricky ( pricey . so maybe 4,200.

but thats with out looking at it.

Holy cow! That's nuts. I've been quoted between $7,000-10,000 for this project. Here is the summary one company provided me on their quote:

Remove old air handler in attic area and electronic air cleaner. Remove old drain pan and drain lines in attic. Properly dispose of old equipment and debris. Remove existing copper line from indoor unit to outdoor unit. Also dispose of outdoor condensing unit. Install new attic unit on vibration free pad and install emergency drain pan underneath. Unit will be of Rheem manufacturer, and be equipped with new R410A refrigerant. Reconnect all ductwork transitions necessary to existing trunk line. Wrap duct transition using R-8 value insulation. Install new PVC drain lines, a primary secondary and emergency to prevent any future water leaks. Install a new Spacegard media high efficiency filter on the return side of air handler. Central ac unit will be high efficiency and of seer rating chosen by homeowner. A new cooper line set will be installed from indoor to outdoor unit. A new outdoor high efficiency condensing unit will be installed and leveled on a condenser pad. All copper joints will be properly brazed assuring no leaks. A nitrogen leak test will also be included in installation to assure no future leaks. A deep vacuum will placed on unit after lines are brazed to remove any debris or moisture that may affect system. All permit costs to be paid by homeowner. ***** carries all insurance, and homeowner has no liability. All electrical connections to performed by licensed electrician. Also we will reroute thermostat wiring, so homeowner only utilizes one thermostat.
Warranty: A 10 year manufacturer warranty is included on outdoor compressor and air handler. An additional 3 years on all workmanship provided by *****. A free service startup will be applied for the following summer season.

Option 1: Rheem air handler 13 seer model# 13AJM36A01 Rheem condensing unit 13seer RHSLHM3617AA 3 ton capacity Unit 3 ton capacity R410a equipped. Total Investment: $5450.00
Option 2: Rheem air handler RHPNHM3624JC 3ton capacity
Rheem condenser RARL036JEZ 16seer This unit is eligible for a rebate.
Total Investment: $6995.00

He is doing more then just a little swap out, hes redoing a lot....... especially with the 16 seer.
also 410 and new line set. he is in the ball park wirth that price.

I am from morris county area.The price of 5 to 6 k is what to expect depending exactly what is needed.
I would offer first and formost a manual J load calculation
to determine the EXACT size needed,I would all so include a new line set, Rheem is very reliable as long as it is installed 100 % correct.Was the old unit very noisy at the returns? You should have ductwork inspected and upgraded if needed.Even when the new system is installed I would ask for a static pressure test done so to check performance of systems ductwork.Its like checking blood pressure of the human body.If you are still in need of help call Charlie from CJ Mechanical of north jersey 973 541 4840

guber, go on to http://www.acdirect.com/ See how much the parts would be, then ask how long it should take. You'll have an idea how much they are hosing you. They are probably looking for $1000 per day profit.

Every company has there own OVERHEAD depending on many facts of its operation. This is very easly proven when you get multiable estamites.1 co will charge 5k and other 9k
Yes some co. out there seem like they are trying to steal from the homeowner and a simple no thanks will do. Heck Then I see ALL the time the homeowner going for the drop dead bottom price by some hack for 4,000. The hack knows he must get in and get out very quick to make something.This same haCK insteads of starting from A to Z as per install manual.skipps lots of steps and you have problems if not now shorty down the road.
I ll break it down for you.
Rheem RAPM036jez 14.5 seer (output eff.15.5)
Rhllhm3717
equipment cost $ 2500
materials ductwork transitions $ 200
digital tstat $ 50
goliath drain pan $ 75
new line set $ 200
a/c pad $ 50
electric switch,box,plate $ 25 outside whip,wire,disconnect$ 50
manual J load calculation $ 50
STATIC pressure test no charge
total materals cost $ 700
total $$ 3200
overhead= insurance bus,truck insurance,workman comp,fuel,office, ect.... % 20% for my co. $ 640
To a toal cost of $ 3840
LABOR My cost for me and my helper. 25 years experiance $ 100 per hour x 16 hours
$ 1,600 plus 3840 = $ 5440 total for job.
Rebate mins $400 come to $5040